Located at McNary Dam, learn about the salmon recovery program from spawning, to the ocean and back.
This recreation area is part of Lake Wallula .
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Detailed accessibility information is available for this location on BluePath, a trip-planning resource for people with disabilities. Explore here.
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From what I had read online, everything was saying it was closed. Looked like people were at the park, but the parking lot to the visitor center was empty. So I just drove to the end of the Spillway Park and took a brief walk by the river. Nice area. Good view of the dam.
Despite conflicting announcements online, it is OPEN as of May 2022. The fish ladder was great. Saw tons of fish. The museum is really cool. Definetly a fun day trip. Worth it. Fun for kids.
The Dam was closed but the fish observatory was open. Made the stop worth while. Go in and watch the Salmon fight against the current. There is a nice park surrounding the area with picnic tables and Disc Golf. Also a lot of people fishing if your into that.
Visited on a weekday in October and had the entire place to ourself. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas as well as small exhibits and films. It truly is amazing what all in involved with the fish population and workings of dams. What really impressed me was the park like grounds are open to the public for frisbee golf. Great use of the grounds to benefit the community. The green grass is not just for looks.
Attended in mid-July, and it was very quiet in the fish areas. Not the right season. The kids have been through their salmon migration units in school, so they enjoyed seeing where the fish WOULD be at the right time. More visitors seemed to be touring the power side of the dam, and we would love to do that, but didn't have enough time that day.